Many stainless steel bolts I see (316 or 308) have the letters "THE" on the hex head. Is this the manufacturer's name or does it have another meaning. I have done internet search and find nothing about "THE".

Also, do 316 stainless bolts have different grades like the carbon steel bolts, or is there just one grade?

I believe THE is a brand of some type as even here on the east cost of the USA MOST of the stuff I buy has this on the head

316 is 316 and it might make it to a grade 3 BUT as its 316 nothing can really be added to change its strength

SS is kind of funny stuff as while it tough as hell to work with it's not that strong

most machines that bend/shear or form it lose about 1/2 capacity

That what I am thinking on the THE, the name brand. But every search I do I cannot find a manufacturer called THE. Next time I am in a store that sells the THE, I will ask them where the bolt came from to try to figure it out. Post if I find anything.
Regards

316 is also weaker than 18-8. Technically 316 is more resistant to corrosion (when used in applications like the chemical industry) but 18-8 seems to be preferred for marine use. (or so I have been told by experts)

316 is also weaker than 18-8. Technically 316 is more resistant to corrosion (when used in applications like the chemical industry) but 18-8 seems to be preferred for marine use. (or so I have been told by experts)

You were right. 316 is a bit weaker than 304 but is more corrosion resistant. This is one of those cases where you have to be careful about info gleaned from the web. I have seen actual tables on the web that showed 316 was stronger but it isn't.

As a VERY rough rule of thumb, constituents in alloys that improve corrosion resistance (chrome, nickle) either don't increase it's strength or actually weaken it. Constituents that strengthen it (carbon) reduce its corrosion resistance.

I, myself, personally intend to continue being outspoken and opinionated, intolerant of all fanatics, fools and ignoramuses, deeply suspicious of all those who have "found the answer" and on my bad days, downright rude.

You were right. 316 is a bit weaker than 304 but is more corrosion resistant. This is one of those cases where you have to be careful about info gleaned from the web. I have seen actual tables on the web that showed 316 was stronger but it isn't.

As a VERY rough rule of thumb, constituents in alloys that improve corrosion resistance (chrome, nickle) either don't increase it's strength or actually weaken it. Constituents that strengthen it (carbon) reduce its corrosion resistance.

My understanding is 316 is recommended for highly corrosive areas such as the tropics and Floriday. Hot areas that get salt spray and sailing in salt water environments is highly corrosive and 316 recommended. This also is supported by rigging wire suppliers. They can supply 304 or 316 but recommend 316 for tropics. I think 316 is about 10% weaker as compred to 304. Not a significant amount. And if you can prevent corrosion, 10% recuction in strength is well work it.

That what I am thinking on the THE, the name brand. But every search I do I cannot find a manufacturer called THE. Next time I am in a store that sells the THE, I will ask them where the bolt came from to try to figure it out. Post if I find anything.
Regards

Ok so I talk to some of the big name bolt suppliers. They tell me the letters "THE" are the manufactur's stamp, but the suppliers cannot tell me the company that makes the bolt, even though they sell the brand. Apparenly the manufacutere is located in either sout Korea or Tawain.

The bolt business seems like kind of a funny thing. You buy a bolt but not really sure who made it. Seems like the supply could be filled with cheap knock off imitations.

A little scary when you are sailing in 30 knots wondering if that single bolt holding your main shroud mast tangs is high quality or some cheap knock off. A previous post gave me the name B&S bolt in VA that sells mil spec bolts- I plan to get those.http://bsbolts.com/

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